Animation Test Reflection

Today was a productive day. I was initially very intimidated by the thought of producing 600 frames collectively as a group. I was feeling overwhelmed with drawing 200 pictures, but after today, it went a lot quicker than I realized. At first I was terrified of the sand animation, but after working on diligently for awhile, it seemed pretty easy. We were trying to animate this heart beating, then splitting, and then transforming into two faces. Unfortunately, we got cut off, and for whatever reason our entire animation except for the the last few frames were not included in the export video. Which kind of sucked because I wanted to see the results and note if we needed to tweak anything. After a while we moved to the guache station. I didn't know if we were supposed to do something new or continue on with what the previous group created. We just started altering the paint that was already there. Again, I was surprised at how quickly we were going through each frame. I was starting to gain confidence. I think our animation looked cool because we altered what was already there rather than adding pain to the image. I wish we had more time to let Cori finish her wolf. Next, we went to the charcoal station and began modifying what was already there. It went rather smoothly except someone forgot to actually press the shutter on the camera towards the end. We may have been moving a little faster than we needed to.
Overall, I got more comfortable the more I actually started getting into the process. I feel better about the project now, and since we'll be primarily be working from my home, I feel even more comfortable.

Soundscape Reflection

I completely forgot about this.

How does your final film convey the assigned sense description?
Since we had to create a defined beginning, middle and end to our composition, we wanted the "icy" part to stand out from the bookend parts. We did not add many effects to the intro and ending for this reason.

How could the piece be strengthened, technically and conceptually? 
Technically, I would've wanted to spend more time on tweaking the effects to the individual sounds we created. It doesn't sound like it, but there are sections where there's 10-15 tracks on top of each other. I also wanted to experiment with panning, but unless we were listening to headphones or in 5.1 surround sound, I didn't want to overwhelm myself if there was no payoff for the classroom experience.
Conceptually, I would've capture more ambient and room noise, we had to rely on what others recorded and it just didn't feel organic to me.

What was the most challenging aspect of this project, and how did you deal with it? 

The most challenging aspect was recording our sounds in just a couple of hours. I know we were the first group back, but my other recording team members were in different "sense" teams and I was the only "icy" dude in the group. I didn't want to drag everyone around to fulfill my ocd nature. 

What did you discover through this project about making film?
I discovered that sound plays a huge part in film and capturing emotions. Sounds can turn a visual into something completely different than what it appears.

Animation Idea

Our group is Corinne, Paul and myself. We are going to depict a version of Kafka's Metamorphasis. The animation technique we are using is sand/paint/charcoal on glass. We will be capturing frame by frame with drawings and a camera. I think since this animation is based on such a tale of transformation, it is fitting for the project. Corinne has taken the lead on this project, so I can't really elaborate much more. I'll let her drawings do the talking.

an appropriation of other people's distress

William Kentridge and Caroline Leaf are in my opinion, the artist's artist. They create to create, the most astonishing thing is that with animation, a drawing or painting is destroyed so the next one is created. Nothing is left except the accumulation of progress documented by camera, film or computer. I really, really, really wish I had more time to experiment in this class.
I started as a manual artist; drawing, painting, and dabbling in calligraphy. I really loved what Kentridge was talking about when he said he was simply "an artist." In my experience, I have done much of what he was talking about in photography and manual art. Now, that I'm progressing into film, he reminds me that just because I've changed the medium to express my art and skills, I shouldn't dispose of the drive and enthusiasm that got me to where I'm at.
Caroline Leaf's dedication to her art is also an inspiration to me. Traveling to the arctic north doesn't sound enticing to many people, especially in pursuit of the story that her animations are based on. I guess in film and digital re-creation, one must completely immerse themselves in the world they seek their inspiration. Video game designers and filmmakers often travel to locales to research for the depiction of an authentic experience. That is then portrayed to the audience, and we swallow it up as truth. Again, the influence of the television screen. I really think this project is going to test me, but hopefully I can rely on the arts that I've practiced so far.

Blog # 7. Just there and alone.

Just there.
The streets constantly whisper. I'm at a full table of people. no one is talking or looking at me. maybe it's because I'm typing away at my phone. I was introduced to "everyone," but I'm only worth a glance. why did I stop and sit? I should've kept walking. everyone is making plans that I cringe at the thought of. I don't want wine. thanks. I'm on the busiest street in this town after dark. I saw a girl puke into a trashcan and a horse shit on the sidewalk. what does this have to do with sound? well, like a j-cut I heard it before I saw it. I can't recall what mode that is. I'm sitting by myself listening to people call themselves artists, but are only motivated by and celebrate material possessions.

Alone.
I listen to Anthony Bourdain's voice narrate his experience with taco rice in Okinawa, Japan. I want to try it. The ceiling fan hums as it circulates the air. Last night as I drove home from the beach, I took my shirt off to feel the breeze on my skin. This fan comes nowhere near that feeling. My laptop tells me it is at 5% battery with a chime that no one can ever recall its origin. A farm maybe? Does Apple consider the sound of the keyboard when someone types? I should click Publish before the screen fades to black. I think of her. She types much faster than me and her words seem to flow as fast as the emotions they evoke in me. We both know it will end in disaster, but I don't care.

Sound Journal #2

steam pushing and forcing things in different directions.
ultimate frisbee nationals. UNCW.
beans are grinding. that machine must run all day.
this must be some pandora coffee shop mix.
2016 that wants to sound like 1985.
open. close.
hi. hello. sure. ok. in just a minute. thanks.
"how's it going?"
"pretty damn good."

Damn Good?

oh please tell us more.

voices shouldn't be this loud this early. this tiny little human who can barely walk is speaking words surprisingly well. children is the topic of the morning. I wonder what mine is doing right now. he's at school. I contemplate our weekend. or maybe nothing. I haven't seen him in so long.

I'm thinking more than I want to write.

Sound Journal #1

waves are washing ashore.
the roar attacks from right to left.
crickets are behind me.
2 pens scratching across 2 pads of paper.
i can hear our hair move.
sand swallowing the sea.
wet against wet.

After reading Acoustic Ecology and learning that sound can travel hundreds of miles underwater I thought, what if these soundwaves are crashing on the shore 50 feet in front of me?
What noises have traveled so far and reached their destination so that I have the pleasure of its embrace?
What part of the world am I hearing wash up before me?
I have traveled to every hemisphere on this planet, could I have missed something that I lost in man's sonic pollution?
What do these voices have to tell me and are they still the original voice from when they began?

On Acoustic Ecology and the Listening Modes

Acoustic Ecology
The Acoustic Ecology article was very informing. I had no idea that acoustic activism was so prevalent. It seems appropriate to ban recreational vehicles in national parks that also have the concern of preserving the indigenous wildlife's ecosystem. Among those ecosystems, are also the creatures in the ocean. It's disturbing to read that whales are essentially euthanizing themselves because we must test sonar radar machines in the name of national defense and strategic warfare. Being a veteran, I am ashamed that defenseless, beautiful creatures are dying because they cannot endure having their ears being blown out. Lately, I've heard or read about random acts of nature and animals behaving in odd manners. I can't help but think that it has to do with humanity's destructive nature and being oversaturated by mainstream media with advancing themselves in a capitalistic utopia and celebrity materialistic chauvinism. We deserve armageddon.

That was a strong coffee. Take a deep breath, Viet.

Modes of Listening
I think Listening in general is taken for granted. I am also probably part of that population. I think most of us reside in the category of Casual Listening. Unless being told to or directing our attention to an audible sound, we don't actually absorb and digest sounds. Physically and literally I think most people hear a sound as it bounces off the eardrum and exits right back out where it came from, like a racquetball hitting the wall and bouncing back. We are overly saturated in bright flashing colors, cellphone ringtones, and snapchat filters to even acknowledge the existence of any of our most important senses. Reduced listening can be learned though, but unless you're Justin Boyd and are naturally attuned( pun intended) to your hearing, it is an attribute that is often taken for granted.

Blog 4 - Reflection Film 1 & 2

I've learned this week that art is random, chaotic, structured, and organized all at the same time. I've learned to let go of control and let the process work itself out. I experimented with different mediums to apply to film and I think my favorite so far is the magazine transfer. It definitely doesn't take as much time as painting or scraping on the film. You can cover a lot of space with the transfer and soaking in water only takes a few minutes. I was probably a lot more meticulous than I needed to be, but I found the process to be very gratifying. When I took this class I actually thought we were going to be making experimental films with a video camera. Now that I have looked over the syllabus, we aren't using any cameras at all! So I feel this class is going to be very challenging for me, but I am open to the learning experience and try not to give too much guff over the quick turnarounds on each assignment. I am having fun so far in this class although it's out of my comfort zone. I'm glad I decided to stick it out and I look forward to seeing what we create as a class. I'm pretty sure I can find a way to apply the things I learn in this class to some of my future personal projects. I think I'm still learning to find my film voice and I am really glad what I learn in 6x1 will contribute to my vision. Dang,  I always sound so serious in these blogs.

Blog 3 - Reflection on Magazine / Newspaper Transfers

Today was a little better than yesterday. We had to cut out pieces of newspaper and magazines and eventually adhere them to bleached film stock. At least I could gain inspiration from the printed materials that were supplied. I knew that I wanted to have some sort of theme with my images and be a little more deliberate about what I chose to appear on-screen. As you may have gathered from my last blog post, I'm not one for randomness and spontaneity. I would like to plan and lay things out how I can imagine it. I suppose I don't like guessing or waiting for the undetermined outcome. At the same time though, I still feel a sense of gratification once I do the see end result on the screen. I really look forward to this newspaper transfer since I only cut out repeated images and maybe they'll look weird but interesting. I kind of got lost in the instructions after applying the magazine cut-outs to the tape. I'm not quite sure what to do after soaking the tape in the water. My project in particular will take longer and I want to take my time to make sure everything is applied and adhered correctly since it does have a selective and specific theme and imagery. I can see how this method could be used to  create a story and audiences can make up their own narrative from what I create. I'm not sure what kind of story or idea I am trying evoke in this project, but I hope it is interesting.

Blog 2 - Reflection of Film Create / Film Destroy

Today I was unprepared. I'm so used to preparing and planning everything out. I had nothing to guide me or any direction. Even though I have been out for over a year, it’s still very hard for me transitioning out of the military into civilian life. I’ve been trained and disciplined to have every aspect of my life aligned and arranged in an orderly fashion. I’ve gotten used to timelines and schedules, having everything organized within an arms’ reach and a well thought out plan for the near and far future. Showing up to class today, I did not expect to create something that could be immediately available for viewing. Composing a physical moving picture was frustrating. I couldn’t preview it. I couldn’t take out what I didn’t intend to produce and cover it up with fancy transitions or cuts. 

I COULD NOT COMMAND+Z.

Having taken FST 201 last semester, I was so used to pre-production stuff like planning, script rewriting, organizing, forms to fill out, dates to shoot, shot lists, equipment requests, etc. The easiest part was shooting the video itself.

As I sit here typing this out, I am reminded by my own reflection on Brakhage, that art is the thought, the spark that leads to something that I may not realize until I have painted, bleached, drew, and scraped until there was nothing left that was unblemished. Art is not order. Art also isn’t disorder. It is a very blatant blend of arrangement and chaos. I have to accept spontaneity and let mistakes happen.

Blog 1 - Reflection on Brakhage and Deren

5/16/2016

Today I discovered that there is no wrong way to experiment in film and/or art. After 2 semesters of Film Studies and Photography classes and being told “what is right” or “correct,” it is comforting to read from someone as Stan Brakhage to reveal to the reader to do away with numbers and light meters and math and science. Not only is Brakhage technically proficient in his craft, but he is also non-judgmental in regards to art and film. His writing encouraged me to not worry about being “right” or “correct” in creating art. Maya Deren’s article led me to discover that being titled an “amateur” may come off as that I’m not an expert, but rather that I have a passion and a “love” for expressing myself. An amateur artist may have more freedom in creativity and production and that the only person I should satisfy is myself. I have always told myself that art is a physical representation of a thought or idea, but after reading these articles, art doesn’t have to be subjected to a popular medium such as painting or sculpting, photos or film. Experimentation in itself is art. The idea or thought of creating something through non-conventional means is an art. Not what the artist has physically created to see or touch, but the conception of the idea to make something out of whatever you want. The idea or thought that is organic and original from that artist that no one could ever see or touch. Photography and film are ways to document and record these ideas, but only that creator of the art will truly understand the “love” and passion needed to construct that imaginary vision into something physical for others to interpret and acknowledge.

-Viet

Readings:
"Amateur vs. Professional" by Maya Deren

"A Moving Picture Giving and Taking Book" by Stan Brakhage

About Me

I'm a/an:
Dad.

Artist.

Veteran.

Musician.

Film Student.
Average Cook.
Graphic Design OCD Sufferer.